OPTIMIZING NITROGEN IN MAIZE (Zea mays L.) THROUGH POULTRY MANURE UNDER DROUGHT CONDITIONS

Abstract

Water and nitrogen (N) are important limiting inputs of maize (Zea mays L.) production in semi-arid environment. Application of poultry manure in agriculture fields is potentially beneficial to agro-ecosystems, but challenging due to its excessive moisture, bad odor, transportation, inconsistent nutrient contents and phytotoxic substances, which may adversely affect the health of those who handle it. Composting as one of the agricultural best management practices (BMP) could overcome the above issues. To study the effects of nitrogen availability from poultry manure under different irrigation regimes in semiarid environment, two experiments were conducted in 2009 at the Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan in glass house. In first experiment maize hybrid were screened against their drought tolerance potential. In second experiment, composted and non-composted poultry manures were compared for N-availability to maize hybrids under different moisture regimes. Field experiment was carried out in 2010 and repeated in 2011 at the Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. One drought tolerant and one sensitive maize hybrid (H 1 = Monsanto-919 and H 2 = FH-810, respectively) were sown with three composted poultry manure (CPM) levels (L 1 = control with recommended NPK, L 2 = 8, L 3 = 10 and L 4 = 12 t ha -1 CPM) under three irrigation regimes (I 1 = 300, I 2 = 450 and I 3 = 600 mm). Statistical analysis of results revealed that H 1 showed maximum grain yield during both years (7.69 and 7.98 t ha -1 during 2010 and 2011, respectively) at I 3 with the application of recommended NPK. While the grain yield of H 1 during both years was greater with CPM than H 2 with the application of recommended NPK under I 2 . Grain oil and protein contents were almost statistically at par in both maize hybrids fertilized with L 1 and L 4 under I 1 condition. The nitrogen uptake was similar in both hybrids under controlled condition. Moreover, water use efficiency (WUE) was significantly enhanced with the application of CPM among different levels of CPM. The highest net benefit ($1788 ha -1 ) was achieved by recommended NPK treatment contrary highest marginal rate of return (35 %) was obtained by application of 600 mm irrigation water with 12 t CPM ha -1 .